Phil Michaels 1972 - 2014 We will miss ELAW partner Phil Michaels who lost his battle with cancer. Phil worked for many years at Friends of the Earth, U.K. (FoE), most recently as head of legal. He left that position in 2010 to work at a solar company set up by his brother Joe. Gita Parihar, head of legal at FoE, writes that Phil “was driven by a passion for rights and justice and he always underplayed his enormous talent and skill. He made a deep impact both on environmental law and on all those who worked with him, who will remember him as a great friend.” Phil was an inspired participant in the ELAW network and won key victories defending communities and the environment: In 2003, Phil and FoE challenged plans by the U.S. government to send 13 rusted Navy ships to Teesside, England, for scrapping. The “Ghost Fleet” contained hazardous wastes including asbestos, PCBs, and more than 500,000 gallons of oil. Britain`s High Court ruled that plans to scrap the warships posed an unacceptable pollution risk. Read more Phil helped win a key case on access to information and protecting communities from glufosinate ammonium, a pesticide used on genetically modified crops. In 2003, Biotechnology giant Aventis CropScience filed suit over FoE’s plans to make information about the pesticide available to the public. The case ended successfully in 2004 when Bayer (Aventis’s corporate successor) dropped its lawsuit. Read more. Phil was a model grassroots defender. He will be sorely missed. For more information, see Phil’s obituary in The Law Society Gazette.
Mark Chernaik
Staff Scientist

Svitlana Kravchenko 1949 - 2012 All of us at ELAW mourn the passing of our beloved partner, Svitlana Kravchenko. We have benefited enormously from working with Svitlana over the past 17 years and we will miss her. Svitlana worked tirelessly to strengthen the rule of law, protect the earth, and advance human rights around the world. She was determined to give citizens around the world a voice in decisions about their planet and their future. She fearlessly challenged powerful interests and pursued change through writing, teaching, advocacy, organizing, and personal persuasion. She brought a warmth, passion, beauty, and joy to her work that lifted all of us and will continue to inspire us. Svitlana and her husband, ELAW founder and director John Bonine, formed an inspiring and dynamic team. They wrote together, taught together, traveled together, and worked together to make the world a better place. We send our condolences to John and to Svitlana’s daughter, Maria Kostytska, a lawyer practicing in Paris. We also send condolences to Svitlana’s niece, Olena Kravchenko, and her team at the environmental law organization that Svitlana founded and Olena leads in Lviv: Environment-People-Law. Svitlana touched people all over the world. ELAW partners from more than 60 countries around the globe have grieved together and shared memories of Svitlana. Even in passing, she has made the worldwide ELAW network stronger.
Bern Johnson
Executive Director
ELAW U.S.

Dr. Mohiuddin Farooque 1954 - 1997 Known to his friends simply as Farooque, Mohiuddin Farooque made an immense contribution to the public interest environmental law movement. He was an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, founder and Secretary General of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), and co-author of "Laws Regulating Environment in Bangladesh." The legal principles adopted in two of Farooque's landmark cases laid the foundation for all subsequent public interest environmental cases in Bangladesh, many of them brought by BELA, Farooque's brainchild. Mohiuddin Farooque vs. Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Others (1995) established that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have legal standing to enforce environmental laws. Mohiuddin Farooque vs. Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Others (1996) established that citizens of Bangladesh enjoy a constitutional right to a healthy environment. Farooque was recognized by the Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh (ADAB) and the Coalition of Environmental NGOs (CEN) for his work establishing legal standing for NGOs. He also received the ADHUNIK Award from the President of the Republic of Bangladesh for his outstanding contributions to Bangladesh's anti-tobacco movement. Farooque began participating in the ELAW network in 1994 and attended the ELAW Annual Meeting that year in the Philippines. He also attended the 1997 ELAW Annual Meeting in Oregon. Farooque died on December 2, 1997. Farooque had an infectiously positive attitude, warm heart, and an inspiring drive to leave the world a better place.
Mark Chernaik
Staff Scientist
ELAW U.S.

Carlota Sanchez-Aizcorbe 1949 - 2005 Carlota was tireless in her pursuit of environmental justice. She dedicated more than 20 years to work with communities affected by environmental degradation in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, Argentina. She was particularly devoted to communities living in the Reconquista River Basin and the Parana Delta. She was a staunch defender of the fundamental human right to live in a healthy environment. In 1983, Carlota founded Fundacion Pro Tigre y Cuenca del Plata (Pro Tigre) which works to promote citizen participation in the defense of water resources in and around Buenos Aires. Although not a lawyer, Carlota pioneered the use of law to protect the environment in Argentina. She started a class action suit to protect the Reconquista River before the judiciary was familiar with class action suits. Her efforts were acknowledged by the Network of Environmental Lawyers of Argentina (RADA) where she was named an honorary member. In 2002, the newspaper La Nacion designated Carlota as one of Argentina’s 100 most important leaders. Carlota began participating in the ELAW network in 1995. She attended ELAW annual meetings in 1997 (U.S.A.), 2001 (U.S.A.) and 2002 (Mexico). Carlota died on December 17, 2005, in a boating accident on her beloved Parana Delta. She left us the legacy of her convictions – that each person has the possibility to contribute to a better world through joint action and work. Carlota will be remembered for her energy, strength and perseverance. Meche Lu
Environmental Research Scientist
ELAW U.S.

Carlos Baumgarten ? - 2002

Carlos was coordinator of the environmental law program in the Centro Mexicano de Derecho Ambiental (CEMDA).

Since 1995 he was dedicated to protecting marine wildlife in Mexico. Gustavo Alanis, President of CEMDA said Carlos "defended whales, sea turtles, coral reefs and mangroves. He worked with grassroots organizations, neighbors and trained judges. Not everyone confronts big corporations or the government to defend the natural resources". Carlos also supported environmental and human rights organizations defending low income campesinos imprisoned for defending the forests of Sierra de Petalan. Shortly before his death Carlos was able to stop temporarily a tourism project affecting one of the last sea turtle breed areas in Xcacel-Xcacelito in Quintana Roo.

Carlos was also a long distance runner. He died on the morning of January 26, 2002 when some heavy rocks collapsed from the Toluca mountain and hit him during a running training session. He was 29 when he died.

ELAW is saddened by the loss of our friend Carlos, a passionate defender of Mexico's environment.

"He will be terribly missed by us all as a friend and a comrade in struggle to save the environment." - Tundu Lissu, Tanzania

"We have lost a valuable amigo, a good environmental lawyer and a true friend." - Sarguna Kumaari, Malaysi

"Carlos was one of the best, most committed and happiest of us all." - José Ignacio Pinochet, Chile

Dr. Germán Sarmiento Palacio 1945 - 1996

As founding member and president of Fundepublico and ELAW Colombia, Dr. Sarmiento Palacio was a creative and brave litigator, exercing judicial presence representing communities in enviromental impact cases of huge transcendence in Bolivia. Pioneer of popular actions as a mechanism to guarantee the force of the colective rights, Germán published his book "The Popular Actions in the Private Civil Law" which today constitutes required reading for those interested in public interest law in Colombia.

Germán passed away from this world Monday, November 11, 1996 from complications resulting from a brain tumor. He leaves a legacy to Colombia in the topic of judicial actions in defense of the enviroment and the public interest.

For Fundepulico, for Colombia and for the world, the disappearance of Germán Sarmiento Palacio is a hard hit, because this pioneer and defendant of the public interest was on the summit of his intelectual production.

"Germán knew that to live among the living, and to transcend death, he had to denounce personal interests and professional goals; that he had to take on his work as a mission, and not as a career." - Esther Sanchez, Colombia

"I do send my condolences to our colleagues at Fundepublico in Colombia for the death of Dr. Germain. May Almighty God lay his soul in peace." - Rugemeleza Nshala, Tanzania

"Our thoughts are with Germán's family, friends and colleagues at FUNDEPUBLICO at this sad time. May we celebrate his life." - Carolyn Sykora, United States

"All of us at E-LAW Ukraine in our thoughts are with Germán's family and friends. We send you our condolences" - Marianna Bolshakova, Ukraine

"I am deeply sorry to learn about Germán's death. I never met him, but I share in the grief of his family, friends and relatives... May God rest Germán's soul in peace, and may He give courage and comfort to those he has left behind." - Michael Ochieng Odhiambo, Kenya

"He will be remembered as a visionary social changemaker. His extraordinary efforts to improve society will endure through the organization he founded and the work of the many people he inspired." - Ashoka.org

Vincent Daniel Shauri 1967 - 2006

Childhood and early years

Vincent was born on 5th February 1967 in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. He was the fourth and last born in the family of Mzee Daniel and Mama Lydia Matemu of Kirua Vunjo. This was the same day that the Arusha Declaration was proclaimed, with a view to building a nation founded on principles of justice, equality and solidarity.

Vincent got his early education in various schools as his parents were school teachers and transferred from place to place. After primary school, Vincent obtained his 'O' levels at James Seminary in Kilema, Moshi, then his 'A' levels at Holy Ghost Fathers' Seminary at Usa River in Arusha Region. As was then customary, he followed this schooling with a National Service tour of duty at Makutupora National Service Base in Dodoma, in 1988 - 1989.

Vincent graduated in 1993 with an honors law degree from the Faculty of Law of the University of Dar es Salaam. His excellent academic performance earned him a scholarship to study for the Degree of Master of Laws at the same university, where he graduated in 1996.

Activist and environmentalist Vincent emerged early as a leader and activist defending the environment and human rights. In August 1994, before graduating from the University, he and like-minded young men and women founded the Lawyers' Environmental Action Team (LEAT). LEAT was the first lawyers' institution in Africa dedicated to defending the environment and the rights and interests of marginalized communities dependent on environmental resources for their livelihoods. As a founding member, Vincent served LEAT in various capacities until the time of his death when he was Executive Director.

During his tenure at LEAT, Vincent emerged as an expert, activist, and renowned defender of the environment and human rights. He was widely respected around the world. Vincent became a leading researcher and expert in the new field of environmental law. It is no exaggeration to say that in Tanzania today there is not a single statute relating to environmental and natural resource management, passed by Parliament from the mid-1990s to-date, which was not touched by Vincent. Not only government departments sought and obtained his counsel but also international institutions like IUCN and United Nations agencies such as UNDP, FAO, UNEP and numerous non-governmental organizations. This is what 'Our Vincent Shauri' was!

Hand in hand with his work at LEAT, Vincent was an advocate of the High Court of Tanzania, a partner in the Mawenzi Chambers law firm of Dar es Salaam, and a one-time Executive Secretary and Honorary treasurer of the Tanganyika Law Society (Tanzania's national bar association).

Vincent emerged as a leading defender of the poor and the marginalized who often found themselves being evicted from their ancestral lands in order to make room for large scale projects in sectors such as mining. As LEAT's Chief Executive Officer, he strove to ensure that the cry for justice of the likes of Mama Amina na Mzee Jumbe Kumega of Lusu, Nzega; Mzee Luzama and Mama Baesi of Bulyanhulu; Mzee Iroga and Mama Bhoke Marwa of Tarime and Mzee Mushi Ngao of Mererani was heard not just in Tanzania but all over the world. He often made sure that community members affected by large-scale mining industry were fed and sheltered whenever they visited Dar es Salaam in pursuit of their rights. On numerous occasions he saw to it that these citizens were invited to international gatherings to present their grievances to the international community. He often accompanied them to such gatherings. This was 'Our Vincent Shauri.'

The family man

Vincent was not just an activist and a renowned lawyer, he was also an exceptional father and family man. For those of us who knew him closely, we know how deeply he loved his wife Mercy and his children Ruaika and Aika. Those of us who traveled with him internationally would often find him talking on the phone to Mercy and the children in the middle of the night, even if he had left Tanzania that same day! His marriage to Mercy and his beloved children Ruaika and Aika serve as an example for many of us.

Vincent deeply loved his parents and siblings. How often did we overhear him complaining about lack of spare parts for Mzee Matemu's old tractor, or the injustices perpetrated against Brother Deo and fellow miners at Mererani? How many times did we bear witness to Vincent helping his numerous nieces and nephews and his sisters Mary Linda, or his brothers-in-law such as Lukio? This is what 'Our Vincent Shauri' was!

Vincent was also an exemplary member of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Catholic Community of Mbezi Beach, Dar es Salaam, where he lived. Christians and other members of that Community will remember Vincent as a dedicated Communitarian who was always at the forefront of the spiritual and material well being of his family and Community. How often do we remember Vincent and his family actively working to further the cause of that Community? How many times did we see him contribute materially and morally to his Community and neighbours during hard times and good times? This was 'Our Vincent Shauri!'

Illness and death

Vincent Shauri fell ill in May 2005. He was diagnosed with tumors in his lungs. Fearing the worst, his family and friends took him to Chennai, India for special cancer treatment. He remained there until mid-January 2006. To those of us who saw him upon his return we bear witness to the good health he appeared to be in. We also bear witness to how worried we all were of how debilitating cancer is and how difficult it is to treat. We bear witness to how we would have liked to see our Vincent take as good a rest as possible. We know, however, that considerable family and office responsibilities awaited him upon his return from India, responsibilities which never allowed him to rest as we would have liked him to. These responsibilities compelled him to return to his office and resume work barely a week after returning from India.

On 3rd February Vincent was taken ill with apparent malaria. Upon visiting hospital a day later, doctors diagnosed pneumonia. He was admitted at the Hindu Mandal Hospital in the city on Tuesday 7th February. His condition sharply deteriorated and at about half past three on the afternoon of Thursday 9th February, the Almighty God decided to call him home. He had just turned 39 four days earlier!

To break the sad news of his passing, Vincent's co-workers at LEAT sent the following message around the world: "For those of us who worked closely with him and loved him as a friend and colleague, his death leaves a massive void which will be hard to fill."

Writing on behalf of environmental activists from Swaziland, Ms. Thuli Makama of Mbabane, Swaziland replied: 'Our Vincent Shauri': "The Almighty God had given us this life and he has through his wisdom again taken it from us, we praise HIS name yet again. Our hearts go out to Mercy, Ruaika, Aika and the whole family. Their loss is shared across the globe and definitely the whole fraternity in Southern and Eastern Africa will feel the loss even more. In honor of his name we pray God gives all of you... the strength to work even harder and pass through this tragic time." This was 'Our Vincent Shauri!'

KWA HERI RAFIKI YETU! ADIOS, AMIGO! ADIEU, CONSIGLIARE!

Tundu Lissu
Lawyers Environmental Action Team
(excerpted from a eulogy presented by Lissu at Vincent’s funeral)

Dr. Alberto Kattan ? - 1993

Dr. Alberto Kattan

The following are words in remembrance for Alberto Kattan, certainly the most famous environmental lawyer in Latin America:

"Alberto Kattan died early this morning, in a hospital in Buenos Aires. He had heart attacks, and efforts to revive him were not successful.

Friends, amigos, Alberto Kattan's death has left a gaping hole in the hearts of many people.

Dr. Kattan (or Alberto, as he would insist on being called) was probably the more important and creative environmental lawyer in Latin America, and an inspiration to his many friends and colleagues in other parts of the world.

His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of many, but they will surely resolve to carry on his work with renewed determination, so that a healthy environment will become his greatest monument.

No one who knew Alberto will ever forget him. What is important also is that we rededicate our work to the ideals for which he stood: human dignity, human rights, creative work, and the rights to environmental quality found in more and more constitutions around the world."

- John Bonine (24 August 1993)

"We only knew about Alberto's death in the last few days. It was a very hard shock for Marcela and me because since five years ago Alberto was a special friend of us. We always think that he have to be a part of E-LAW, so we introduced Alberto in the net because, in our opinion, his style as a lawyer and as environmental fighter are the correct way to practice public interest law. I remember that Alberto always said: 'we, the lawyers, have only one weapon: the law, so we have to use that in the courts'. That is the chalenge of our environmental commitment.

Marcela and I, are agree with John's thought: our work will be the best epitaph to our dear friend Alberto."

"Present and future generations had in Alberto an anonymous champion. Alberto took representation of his fellow citizens and fought against pollution and destruction of the wilderness using the only arms he got: truth and Law. He advocated for dolphins, penguins and man itself, challenging powerful economic groups promoting ills such as tobacco addiction or the use of lethal poisons like 2,4-D around the world."